Awards of Distinction

J.P. Neri, of Raleigh, is a senior history major, an Honors College student and a Chancellor's Scholar. He served as App State's student body president during the 2023–24 academic year and is on track to graduate in May.

During his time at the university, Neri has served as a student member of App State's Board of Trustees, chaired the Committee on Sustainable Development for the Student Government Association and welcomed incoming Mountaineers students as a Student Orientation Undergraduate Leader. Additionally, he has been a student fundraising coordinator for the App Builds a Home program — a campuswide partnership between App State and Watauga County Habitat for Humanity to help local partner families build safe, affordable homes.

"As student body president, J.P. showed an unwavering dedication to the organization and to App State," wrote a nominator. "J.P. emerged as the clear student leader of App State's Student Government Association, communicating to all, meeting with partners throughout our campus community and helping others to believe in the change they were all a part of."

Neri is among the 2024–25 national cohort members for the John Robert Lewis Scholars and Fellows Program, which fosters rising leaders beginning vocations in public service, nonprofits, education and seminary.